School bus driver accused of using cell phone with kids on board

BATH, N.Y. — A school bus driver here has been arrested and charged for allegedly using a cell phone while transporting students.

According to New York State Police, the arrest stems from a complaint that Kelly Parulski, 45, was using a portable electronic device while operating a Bath Central School District bus with passengers under age 17 on board.

State police in Bath investigated the matter on Friday in conjunction with a Bath Central School District school resource officer and the district’s transportation department.

The investigation led to Parulski being charged on Tuesday with endangering the welfare of a child, which is a Class A misdemeanor, and with vehicle and traffic law violations. She is slated to appear in court at a later date.

According to WENY, a state police investigator said that Parulski used her phone to text and talk multiple times while driving her bus.

Joe Rumsey, superintendent of Bath Central School District, told local news outlets that Parulski is no longer driving a school bus.

“Student safety is a priority, and we’re always warning our students about the dangers of using a cell phone and texting while driving,” Rumsey told The Leader. “When we got the complaint, we took it very seriously and immediately reviewed the footage.”